- Description:
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This notification concerns the Sideband-Separating (2SB) Downconverter Unit for the Band 2 Warm Cartridge Assemblies (WCAs) for the Atacama Large Millimeter and Submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile.
The construction of the Band 2 WCAs is carried out by the Sub-mm Instrumentation Group of the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy (NOVA). The activities of this group are concentrated at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
The Downconverter takes the RF signals (67-116GHz) supplied by the Cold Cartridge Assembly (CCA) and converts them by heterodyne mixing with a local oscillator (LO) signal to the intermediate frequency (IF) band of 4-16GHz (with a goal of 2-20GHz). Both upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB) are exported separately. The LO is phase-locked to a central reference signal distributed by optical fiber to allow coherent detection by all ALMA antenna stations.
The order will be for six units in the first phase: The pre-production phase of the Band 2 project. Later, after hopefully successful concluding on the performance of the WCA together with the Cold Cartridge Assembly (CCA) in March 2023, the contract will then be extended for 67-69 units.
We intend to grant this contract to RPG-Radiometer Physics GmbH by means of a negotiated procedure.
The microwave downconverter units are technologically challenging due to the many stringent requirements e.g. on signal purity and noise levels. The intended supplier, RPG, has been involved in a technology development program to reach the required maturity and quality of the needed units.
In 2015 RPG produced the very first WCA/DCU model for the pre-prototype development of the Band 2 project. This product did not meet all specs and needed further improvement. Due to other developments in ALMA in the past years, the requirements for the DCU were further increased. Therefore, in 2021 RPG was awarded a contract for a prototype with a higher quality. Prior to awarding this contract, a market consultation took place involving four other potential suppliers. It was concluded that RPG was the only supplier able to deliver the units within specification and on time. Based on the prototype now developed and on further market research, we conclude that also for the subsequent order(s), no alternative suppliers can be identified.
- Type:
- Unsealed
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